Instrument panel



P. T. NIMS INSTRUMENT PANEL Oct. 14, 1952 Filed Dec. 50, 1950 INVENTOR.

5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 14, 1952 P. "r. NIMS 2,614,156

INSTRUMENT PANEL Filed Deo. 50, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Genera @IHI yWW/W Oct. 14, 1952 P. T. NIMS $614,156

INSTRUMENT PANEL Filed Dec. 50, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 l INVENTOR. jz Fae/. 74 277161 Patented Oct. 14, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.-

INSTRUMENT PANEL Paul '1. Nims, Detroit, Mich., assignortoilhrysler Corporation, Highland Park, Mich a corpora tion of Delaware Application December-30, 1950,"SerialNo. 2039703 1'1: Claims.- 1

The'present invention relates :to electrical control units for instrument panels and the like, particularly instrument pane-ls!v for automotive vehicles.

According to-a feature of the present invention, an instrument panel isprovidedin which electrically conductive straps are generally used to form connections between the individual elec trical units of the panel which in practice heretofore havebeen interconnected largely by-wire conductors. The strapping not only simplifies the appearance of a: panel'but also is-moreeasily manufactured and installed in panelsandzwith less manual installation labor.

According to another feature, a switch-carrying instrument panel- 'is providedwith an insulating hoard having rivet-supported conductive strapping thereupon, groups of. the rivets-of which penetrate the board and serve as fixed contactsfor the individual switches.

According to still another feature, a switch carrying instrument panel is provided withv an insulating board upon which not only-fixed contactsior the switches aremounted, but also a circuit breaker ismounted thereon between switches and included inacircuit connecting energized-and unenergized fi'xed switch contacts. According to a further feature of the invention there is provided in a switch-carrying instrumentpanel a series of conductors including -conduc-- tive strapping and having upstanding'tabs by means of whichthe switch and instrument orinstruments may be interconnected throughthe' expedient of a plug type disconnect.

According to-still a furtherfeature, provision is made'to mount 'oneor more instruments ofan instrument panel and cne-or moreswitches for the instruments in a single common-containerin a manner 'such'that either instrument; may separately be removed and theswitches may be removed; independently of theinstrurnents; all-in a greatlysimplified fashion; Use of a single com-' mon container contributes to compactnessand the further expedient of a plug-type disconnect between instrument and switch contributes to; an uncomplicated and quick manner of disassembly asan-d when desired;

According to an additional feature of the invention an automotive instrument panel well suited for productionmethods, is provided with the panel conductors being of a form permitting them to be stampedv outer-sheet metal and mounted to panel structure well in advance of final line assembly of the automotive vehicle for which the structure isintended. The'panel con-- ductors are tabbed-as hereinahove pointed out: and, being carried in the vehicle body, are thus;

adapted readily to receive plug-type disconnects connected to vehicle devicesin the engine chassisi the actual connection of plug tovtabs being a rela-. tively simple matter which can be accomplished with speed and ease during final line assembly.

Other features, objects, and advantages will either he specifically pointed out or become ap-- parent when reference is made to the following detailed specification taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which? Figure 1 is a front elevation of an instrumentpaneleinbodying the instant invention;

Figure 2 is an elevation showing the rear'of the instrument cluster in the panel Figure 3 is an enlarged showing of a portionof the structure shown-in FigureZ;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3;with a part of the control unit uncovered;

Figure 5 is a side View in sectionoitheccntrol unit; and

Figures 6, 7, and 8 are; schematic wiringydiagrains showing how plug-type disconnects are employed in conjunction with the upstanding tabs on the control unit.

In Figure 1 an instrumentpanel l0 isprovided having, supporting lugs l2 suited for attachment to the cowl and window structure of, for example, an automotive vehicle. Panel l0 provides a. glove compartment M at one side thereof,,andf at the mid portion a radio speakerrgrillei Hi and a panel it} for the radio control knobs. Panel ID.

has on the opposite side ofjradio grille l6, a p1u,- rality of dial openings 20,322, and 24-for a cluster of' instruments particularly suited to automw tive useior instrumentpanels and thelike. A

dial illuminating switch handle 26 is provided:

near the bottom edge of .panelvlfi, as is also located a cigar lighter; opening 28 in general ad In the instrument opening 20. is received a pair-of instruments comprising an; oil pressure gage: tfiand an enginetemperature: In instrument opening 22 a speeds; ometer 34 is provided having anodometerrdial An ammeter Stand, afuel gage "40 are 10- cated in the instrument opening: -24.. Beneathinstrument opening, '24 there is located a key-: controlled ignition switch 42 for the vehicle enj acency thereto.

gage 32.

gine and a handle-operatedslight switch.

With respect to Figure 2; the temperature gage 32 is shown to have .connected thereto a capillary tuhe' lfi to provide pressure actuation for the'en gine temperature indicating' needle oi the temperatureigage. A dialiilluminati'ng light 48' is pro-' vided in the top of temperature gage 32 and the intensity of illumination thereof is controlled by the above mentioned switch handle 26 controlling a resistor element 50. The oil pressure gage 30 has a fitting 52 adapted to receive an oil-pressureconnected line. A dial illuminating light 54 is received in the bottom of oil gage 30. A plurality oi apertured lugs 56 is provided for mounting the instruments to the panel structure and is detachably connected thereto by means of fasteners 58. A dial illuminating light 60 controlled by resistor 50 is located in the speedometer 34 having a shaft 64 mounting an internal gear and adapted. to be driven by a flexible shaft driven by the transmission of the vehicle. A lamp 62 may be provided in the speedometer which is useful in indicating the degree of brightness of say deflectable beam head lights for the vehicle. The ammeter 38 and fuel gage 40 are provided with openings 66 and 68 for dial illuminating lights which may be used if desired. Instruments 38 and 40 are mounted in a common container 10.

In Figure 3, adjacent the dial illuminating openings 66 and 63 will be seen fasteners 10 which in cooperation with other fasteners around the edge of instruments 38 and 40 serve detachably to secure the instruments to the container 10. Container 10 is in turn secured to the panel structure by apertured lugs 14 and 16. Ammeter 38 has a pair of terminal posts 82 and 04 to which is connected conductive strapping 86 mounted on an insulative layer 88 which may be paper-like. The ends of ammeter strapping 86 are riveted as at 89 to a small block of insulating board 90 and terminate in a generator-connected upstanding tab 92 and a battery-connected upstanding tab 84. Fuel gage 40 has a pair of terminal posts 96 and 98. Connected to these posts is conductive strapping 86 mounted on a layer 99 of insulating paper-like material. The ends of the strapping 86 connected to the fuel gage are riveted as at I to a small block IOI of insulating board and have at their terminals an upstanding pair of tabs I02 and I04. Tab I02 is adapted to be connected to a fuel gage tank unit in a manner hereinafter pointed out in detail.

Generally adjacent the respective tabs I02, I04, 92, and 94 is located an insulating board or panel I06 particularly shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5 respectively. Board I06 is detachably secured by fasteners I01 to the container for the ammeter and fuel gage serving as a cover plate to a portion of the container and having an edge I42 closely spaced relative to the upstanding tabs, above mentioned. An arrangement of strapping is mounted to the insulating board I06, a portion thereof including an upstanding tab I08 generally aligned with the tab I04. The strapping portion which mounts the tab I08 is held by rivet IIO of one general type used on board I06 and is connected to an accessory terminal I I2. A plurality of rivets II4 of another type penetrates the insulating board I08 to form the fixed contacts for the key-controlled ignition switch 42 and the handle-controlled switch 44. The switch 42 comprises a lock-cylinder II6 mounted to rotate and respect to a switch casing II8 secured in the instrument container 10. The key-controlled ignition switch 42 may be of the type generally in use wherein the lock cylinder H6 in being held in one position is yieldably opposed by a spring, as spring I20. The common arrangement is that the opposing spring acts to return the ignition switch from the start position to the run position. Mounted for rotation with the cylinder I I6 is a rotatable'switch element I22, the embossed contact portions of which are urged into electrical contact with the fixed contact rivets II4 by a spring I23. Insulating board I06 may desirably be hinged at the bottom thereof at I24 to the container 10. The strapping connected to the rivets II4 of key-controlled switch 42 provides a pair of upstanding tabs one being the startersolenoid-connected tab I28 and the other a generator-connected tab I 30. Together with tabs 92 and 94, respectively generator and battery connected, the tabs I28 and I30 are adapted as a group to receive a plug-type disconnect or connector I32 later to be described more in detail.

One of the lower fixed contact rivets II4 for the key-controlled switch 42 is connected to strapping terminating in an upstanding ignitionconnected tab I34. Terminating in a pair of upstanding posts I36 and I38 provided for the vehicle heater and spot light if desired, is a pair of rivets which mount a circuit breaker I40 between key-controlled switch 42 and handlecontrolled switch 44 and adapted to limit load current therethrough. Circuit breaker I40 serves to connect the unenergized contacts of switch 44 to the energized strapping connected to the fixed contacts of key-controlled switch 42. A stop-lamp-connected tab I44 is connected by strapping directly to the post I36 energized through circuit breaker I40. Similar strapping connects post I36 to a rivet II4 forming a fixed contact for the handle-controlled lift switch 44, and similar rivets I I4 penetrate insulating panel I06 to form other fixed contacts for the handlecontrolled light switch 44. An upstanding tail lamp tab I46 is located adjacent the edge I42 of insulating board I06. The respective tabs I02, I04, I08, I44, and I46 are adapted as a group to receive a plug-type disconnect I48 later to be described in detail.

A socket I50 is provided in the strapping for switch 44 suitable for energizing an instrument lamp switch control and resistor unit such as unit 50. A similar socket I 52 is formed in the strapping for switch 44, for illuminating the ignition look if desired. Tabs I55 and I58 adapted to be connected to the vehicle parking lamp and to the head lamp respectively, are connected by conductive strapping to light switch 44 and are disposed in general adjacency to ignition tab I34 to receive as a group a plug-type disconnect I60 later to be more completely described.

In Figure 6 there is shown the plug-type disconnect or connector I32 used in connection with tab group 92, 94, I28, and I30. The disconnect I32 includes an insulating body having a plurality of passages therein providing internal shoulders, not shown. Reoeivably positioned within the passages is a plurality of conductor terminal clips such as clip I62, the conductors which terminate therein being variously load-connected and power-source-connected. Clip I62 comprises a sleeve portion I64 clamped about the insulation I65 of a battery-connected wire conductor I 68 and having a reduced end portion I66 soldered to the end of the conductor. This soldering may easily be accomplished by dipping the conductor with the clip attached in molten solder. The dip soldering may be accomplished without solder touching blade portions I10 or return bent portions I12. I10 indicates blades extending laterally from cylindrical portion I64 and provided with a return bent yielding portion I12 serving as detents to engage the above described internal insulator shoulders. Between the generally juxtaposed blades I10 an upstanding tab such as battery-connected tab "90 may wedgingly be: re-

ceived. A similarclip I13-is connected to the terminal of a wire conductor I16 forming a 011'- cuitto-astarter-solenoid I14. Energization of the starter solenoid causes the main relay contacts therein to close, directlyconnecting the vehiclebattery I16 to the-starter motor I18. A

pairof-clips I36 and I82in connector I32-is interconnected by means of a U-shaped spring I84, the respective lugs of whichare received between the blades I86 and I88 which terminate in claws received in an embossment of the type I88- in the 94 depending on the operation condition of genorator I92. Armature and field connected conductors I95 and I98 from thegenerator I92 are both connected to the regulator I94.

InFlgure '7, a plug-type disconnect M8 is providedfor'the group of upstanding tabs I02, IEM,

I08; I44, and I46 and has clips in which load connected conductors-terminate. A clip 2051 received inthe insulatorof connector I48 has the terminal thereon of a wire conductor 242 con A clip 2&5;

nected'to avehicle tail lamp 264. which cooperates with-tab I02, has a conductor 208 terminating therein which establishes an electrical connection with a fuel gage tank unit 2H1. A clip 2I2 is connectedto a' stop lamp 2I8 through a conductor 2 Hand an interposed brake pedal actuated-switch 2I6. A clip 226 will be noted to have-relatively'wide blades 22I adapted to receive therebetween the pair of aligned tabs I04-and I08 for the purposes of interconnecting thenamed tabs. It will be noted that no conductor is otherwiseconnected to clip 220, the clip serving only as a bridging member between the named tabs.

In Figure 8 the connector I65 provides loadsupplying conductor clips and is shown adapted for--cooperation with the parlzing-lamp-connected tab I56 and head-lamp-connected tab I53, of switch 40 and the ignition-connected tab I34 of switch 42. Between the bladesof a clip 222 the tab I34 is received for connection to ignition coil 224. Ignition coil 224 is in turn connected to a set of spark plugs 226 through an ignition distributor 228. A clip 230 cooperating with head lamp tab IE8 is connected to head lamp 249 through, a dimmerswitch 234 having two leads 236 and238 to a center tapped filament applied in'known manner to the head lamp. A clip 242 receives parking lamp tab I56 between the blades thereof and through a conductor 243 establishes aconnection with parking lamp 244.

The beneficial arrangement of parts of the electrical control unit of Figures 3, i and. both before and after application of the plug-type disconnects oil igures 6, 7,'and 8, may be explained as'follows. Before theplug-type disconnects are applied, either of the instruments 323 or, to may be" removed independently of the other instrument and moreover, the switches 42 and 44 may beremoved from container lilindependently of the instruments. The fixed contacts and the circu-it breaker forthe respective switches 42 and 44ymay also be removed independently of the rotary elements of the switch by the simple ex pedient ofremoving'insulating panel I06 and the parts connected thereto; lhe electrical devices mounted. within container 101,. are: for use-inithe body ofa vehicle since the instrument panelin:

which container Iii fits is mounted so as to be observed by passengers seatedin the bodyof the I vehicle. On the other hand, theelectrical system of the vehicle is generally located inthechassis and includes the generator, battery, starter, igni tion system, and varicuslamps of Figures .6, 7;

and 8. Hence the convenient plug-type disconnects I22, I48, and

simply and in an easy manner-during the last phases of line assembly of the vehicle.

may be, and detachably removing'the instrument from container id.

be left in place in the container '10;

As herein disclosed, the invention is shown embodied in an instrument or dash panel having pressure and gear actuated instruments, and a separate unitary container housing a pair of switches and a pair of electrical instruments. It i is evident that all electric instruments could be used and the temperature and oil pressure gages, and even the speedometer couldequally well be electrically actuated. So also the drawings show only the pair of switches interconnected by; a. circuit breaker and supplying a common load-,

connected-connector .therebetween. But self. evidently the switches and interconnections are limited as to number only by the particular needs. of the energy-consuming electrical loads supplied thereby. Indeed, it is not essential to the invention that the completed structure be, arranged in a single container at all although a unit, assembly is preferred for the, sake of simplicityand general cleanness, of design The invention applies to many possible arrangements in which a plurality of load-connectedswitches are to be: interconnected or in whichaswitch and. an.

instrument are to beinterconnected to a load and source through connector means or in which a plurality of, instrumentsand switches are to be interconnected, variations and modifications of the invention described are equally comprehended by the foregoing description.

What is claimed is:

1. An electrical control unit for panelswith the rotary switch element, conductive strapping separately carried by the instrument and" cover plate and respectively connected to the instrument and switch contacts, unconnected ends of said strapping terminating in individual tabs grouped on either side of an edge of the'cover plate, and a connector formed to receive said' group of tabs and having a plurality of energized and load-connected conductor terminals carried thereby; and being arranged foninterconneoting ii -t which are connected directly to the named chassisinstalled electrical devices are especially adapted-to effect an electri cal interconnection between thebody and-chassis:

The remaining instrument; connectors, and the switches may conveniently the energized and load-connected conductor terminals through the instrument and switch.

2. An electrical control unit for dash panels and the like comprising a container having a face opening, a pair of instruments received in the face opening of the container and detachably secured to the container at the back thereof, a rotary switch element mounted for rotation in said container adjacent to and independently of the instruments, a plurality of fixed contacts for the rotary switch element and an insulated cover plate for a portion of the back of the container for insulatively mounting said contacts to the container so as to establish cooperation with the rotary switch element to form a switch, conductive strapping separately carried by the instruments and cover plate and respectively connected to the instruments and switch contacts, unconnected ends of said strapping terminating in individual tabs arranged in groups adjacent an edge of the cover plate, and connectors formed to receive said groups of tabs and having a plurality of energized and load-connected conductor terminals carried thereby, and being arranged for interconnecting the energized and load-connected conductor terminals through the instrument and switch.

3. An electrical control unit for dash panels and the like comprising a container having a face opening, an instrument received in the face opening of the container and detachably secured to the container at the back thereof, first and second movable switch elements mounted for movement in said container adjacent the instrument, pluralities of fixed switch contacts for the switch elements and an insulated cover plate for a portion of the back of the container for insulatively mounting said contacts to the container so as to establish cooperation with the switch elements, said pluralities of fixed contacts and said first and second movable switch elements forming respectively first and second switches, a circuit breaker mounted to said insulated cover plate in juxtaposition to the first and second switches, electrically conductive strapping carried by the instrument and the insulated cover plate and respectively connected to the instrument and to the switches and including said circuit breaker in circuit between the latter, said conductive strapping having unconnected ends terminating in individual tabs and arranged in groups adjacent the edges of said cover plate, and connectors formed to receive said groups of tabs and having a plurality of load-connected and power-supply-connected conductor terminals incorporated therein and being arranged for interconnecting the load-connected and supplyconnected conductor terminals through the instrument, first switch, circuit breaker, and second switch.

4. An electrical control unit for dash panels and the like comprising a container having a face opening, an instrument received in the face opening of the container and detachably secured to the container at the back thereof, first and second movable switch elements mounted for movement in said container adjacent one another in general adjacency to the instrument, pluralities of fixed switch contacts for the switch elements and an insulated cover plate for a portion of the back of the container for insulatively mounting said contacts to the container so as to establish cooperation with the switch elements, said pluralities of fixed contacts and said first and second movable switch elements forming respectively first and second switches, a circuit breaker mounted to said insulated cover plate in juxtaposition to the first and second switches, electrically conductive strapping carried by the instrument and the insulated cover plate and respectively connected to the instrument and to the switches and including said circuit breaker in circuit between the latter, said conductive strapping having unconnected ends terminating in individual tabs and arranged in groups adjacent the edges of said cover plate, and connectors formed to receive said groups of tabs and having a plurality of load-connected and power-supply-connected conductor terminals incorporated therein and being arranged for interconnecting the load-connected and supplyconnected conductor terminals through the instrument and first switch and through the instrument, first switch, circuit breaker, and second switch, at least one said group of tabs being disposed between said first and second switches and another between said first switch and instrument.

5. An electrical control unit for instrumental panels and the like having an instrument opening in the face thereof, said control unit comprising an instrument received in said instrument opening and detachably secured to the panel structure, a switch element mounted to rotate in the panel structure adjacent said instrument, a plurality of fixed switch contacts, an insulating panel mounted to the rear of the panel structure and supporting the fixed contacts in cooperative adjacency to the switch element, said contacts and element forming a rotary switch, electrically conductive strapping carried by the instrument and by the insulating panel and connected respectively to the instrument and to fixed contacts of said rotary switch plurality of contacts, said conductive strapping having unconnected ends terminating in upstanding tabs and arranged in a group adjacent to and on either side of an edge of the insulating panel, and in combination therewith, a connector formed to receive said group of tabs and having energized and load-connected conductor terminals incorporated therein, said connector being arranged to interconnect said energized and load-connected conductor terminals through said instrument and switch and including a bridging member therein for directly connecting at least one tab on one side of the panel edge to at least one tab on the other side of the panel edge.

6. An electrical control unit for instrument panels and the like having an instrument opening in the face thereof, said control unit comprising a pair of instruments received in said instrument opening and detachably secured to the panel structure, a pair of switch elements mounted to rotate in the panel structure adjacent said instrument, pluralities of fixed switch contacts, an insulating panel mounted to the rear of the panel structure and supporting the pluralities of fixed contacts for cooperation with the switch elements, said contacts and elements forming a pair of rotary switches, electrically conductive strapping carried by the instruments and by the insulating panel and connected respectively to the instruments and to fixed contacts of said rotary switch pluralities of contacts, said conductive strapping having unconnected ends terminating in upstanding tabs and arranged in groups adjacent to and on either side of an edge of the insulating panel, and in combination therecluding a bridging member therein for directly connecting at least one tab on one side of the panel edge to at least one tab on the other side of the panel edge.

7. .An electrical control unit for instrument panels and the like having an instrument opening in the face thereof, said control unit comprisinga :pair of instruments received in saidinstrument opening and detachably secured to the "panel structure, a pair of switch elements mounted to rotate in the panel structure adjacent said instrument, pluralities of fixed switch contacts, an insulating panel mounted to the rear of the panel structure and supporting the -pluralities of fixed contacts for cooperation with theswitch elements, said contacts and elements forming a pair of rotary switches, electrically conductive strapping carried by the instruments and by the insulating panel and connected respectively to the instruments and to fixed contacts of said rotary switch pluralities of contacts, said conductive strapping having unconnected ends terminating in upstanding tabs and arranged in groups adjacent to and on either side of an edge of the insulating panel, and in combination therewith, a pair of connectors formed to receive groups of said tabs and having energized and load-connected conductor terminals incorporated therein,

said connectors being arranged to interconnect said energized and load-connected conductor ter- "minals through said instruments and each includ- "ing a bridging member therein for directly connecting at least one tab on one side of the panel edgeto at least one tab on the other side of the panel edge, and a circuit breaker mounted to the insulating panel intermediate the pair of switches and effectively establishing a connection between the strapping connected to one switch and the strapping connected to the other switch.

8. An electrical control unit for instrument panels and the like having an instrument opening in the face thereof, said control unit comprising a pair of instruments received in said in strurnent opening and detachably secured to the pa el structure, a pair of switch elements mounted to rotate in the panel structure adjacent said instrument, pluralities of fixed switch contacts,

an insulating panel mounted to the rear of the panel structure and supporting the pluralities of fixed contacts for cooperating with the switch elements, said contacts and elements forming a pair of rotary switches, electrically conductive strapping carried by the instruments and by the insulating panel and connected respectively to. the instruments and to fixed contacts of said rotary switch pluralities of contacts, said conductive strapping having unconnected ends terminating in upstanding tabs and arranged in groups adjacent to and on either side of an. edge of themsulating panel, and in combination therewith-a pair of connectors formed to receive groups of said. tabs and having energized and load-connected conductor terminals incorporated therein, said connectors being arranged to interconnect said energized andload-connected conductor terminals throughsaid instruments'and cachincluding a bridging member therein for directly connecting at least one tab on one side of the panel edge to at least one tab on the other side "of the ;paneledge, andathird'connector having; load-connected conductor terminals incorporated therein and being formed to receive simultaneously groupeditabs from strapping connected to both switches.

9; An electrical control-unit for instrument panels and the like havingan instrument open- .ing in theface thereof, said'control-unit comprising an instrument received in said opening and detachably'secured to the panel structure, a switch element mounted to. rotate in the panel structure in spaced adjacency to the instrument,

an insulating panel behind thelswitchr element and detachably secured-to the panel structure,

strap-supporting rivets extending through the insulating panel in a manner to form fixedgswitch contacts-adjacentsaid switch element and ;'cooperating therewith toconstitute-arotary switch, -rneansiforming conductors connected to ,the instrument and to the switchand havingzunconnected ends terminating in I tabs .iarranged in -.'a group, said conductor formingmeans including strapping conductively' supported 'by-said rivets, anda connector formed to receive saidgroupiof ,tabs'and having energized and load-connected wires terminating therein, said connector being arranged to interconnect said energized and-loadconnected wires through the switch and instru ment. 1

-10. An electrical control'unit for-instrument panels and the like having aninstrumentopening in the face thereoL-saidcontrol unit comprising an instrument received .inzsaid opening and detachably secured to the panelstructura a pair of switch elementsvmountedto rotate in the panel'structu-re in spacedadjacencytothe instrument, an insulating panel behind the switch elements and detachably secured to-,-th e panel 1 structure, strap-supporting rivets extending through the insulating, panel in a manner toform fixed-switch contacts adjacent each :of

said switch elements andcooperating therewith to constitute apair of rotary switches, imeans formingconductors connected to theinstrument and to the switches and having unconnected ends'terminating in tabs arrangedin one group between one switch and the instrument in another group and between said'one switchand the other switch, said conductor forming means including strapping conductively supportedtby said rivets, a connector forlmed tolreceive saidone group of tabs and having energized andloadconnected wires terminating therein, said conhector being arranged to interconnect said energized and load-connectedwires through the said one switch and instrument, a second connector formed to receive said other group of tabs and having load-connected wires terminating therein, and a circuit breaker mounted totheinsulating panel between the switches and connecting the respective strapping of thelatter to supply at least ,a portionof the load-connected wires in said second connector with a limited current. I,

11. A control unit for electrical instrument panels and the like comprising .metallic-j'panel structure having aninsulating panel .at the I back thereof, a pair of switch elements mountedito the panel structure in adjacency to one another and to the insulatingpanel, pluralitiescf strapsupporting rivets extending throughthe insulating panel to form fixed switch contactsin juxtapositiontothe respective switch elements-endocoperating therewith to constitute a pair offrovtary switches. conductors .forthe switches having unconnected ends terminating in tabs and including strapping conductively supported by the contact forming rivets upon the insulating panel, at least a portion of the strapping connected to one of said switches having means for energizing it and at least a portion of the strapping connected to the other of said switches having means for loading it, a circuit breaker mounted to the insulating panel connected between the respective said portions of strapping, and a connector formed to receive strap tabs connected to each of the switches, said connector having loadconnected wires terminating therein adapted to receive energy directly from one switch and indirectly from the other switch through the circuit breaker.

12. A control unit for electrical instrument panels and the like comprising metallic panel structure having an insulating panel at the back thereof, a key-controlled switch element and a handle-controlled switch element mounted to the panel structure in general adjacency to one another and to the insulating panel, pluralities of strap-supporting rivets extending through the insulating panel to form fixed switch contacts s in juxtaposition to the respective switch elements and cooperating therewith to constitute a pair of rotary switches, conductors for the switches having unconnected ends terminating in tabs and including strapping conductively supported by the contact forming rivets upon the insulating panel, at least a portion of the strapping connected to said key-controlled switch having means for electrically energizing it and at least a portion of the strapping connected to the handle-controlled switch having means for electrically loading it, a circuit breaker mounted to the insulating panel connected between the respective said portions of strapping, and a connector formed to receive strap tabs different ones of l which are connected to the handle-controlled switch and to the key-controlled switch, said connector having load-connected wires terminating therein adapted to receive energy directly from the key-controlled switch and indirectly from the handle-controlled switch through the circuit breaker.

13. A control unit for electrical instrument panels and the like comprising metallic panel structure having an insulating panel at the back thereof, a key-controlled switch element and a handle-controlled switch element mounted to the panel structure in general adjacency to one another and to the insulating panel, pluralities of strap-supporting rivets extending through the insulating panel to form fixed switch contacts in juxtaposition to the respective switch elements and cooperating therewith to constitute a pair of rotary switches, conductors for the switches having unconnected ends terminating in tabs and including strapping conductively supported by the contact forming rivets upon the insulating panel, at least a portion of the strapping connected to said key-controlled switch having means for electrically energizing it and at least a portion of the strapping connected to the handle-controlled switch having means for electrically loading it, a circuit breaker mounted to the insulating panel connected between the respective said portions of strapping, a connector formed to receive strap tabs different ones of which are connected to the handle-controlled switch and to the key-controlled switch, said connector having load-connected wires terminating therein adapted to receive energy directly from the key-controlled switch and indirectly from the handle-controlled switch through the circuit breaker, and a pair of instruments mounted to the panel structure and including an ammeter, said instruments having conductors providing pairs of rivet-supported tabs cooperating with other tabs aforesaid to form a group of tabs between the ammeter and key-controlled switch and a group of tabs between the handle-controlled switch and other instrument, said means for energizing and loading said portions of strapping including a pair of connectors respectively formed to receive said groups of tabs and having load-connected and power-connected conductors terminating therein.

14. An electrical control unit for automotive instrument panels and the like which include a panel, said unit having means mounted to the panel including cable-supplied mountably removable electrical devices constituted by a plurality of switches and instruments, material presenting insulative surfaces carried at the backs of certain said electrical devices so as to define lines of division generally juxtaposed to the plane of the devices and intermediate the devices, plugtype disconnects having energized and load-connected conductors forming electrical cables terminating therein, electrically conductive straps disposed along said insulative surfaces and connected through the material to the said backs of individual devices, said straps having portions provided with upstanding tabs arranged in groups to receive said plug-type disconnects, the grouped tabs of straps connected to at least two said electrical devices being arranged in a group straddling a said line of division with the tabs for one of the two devices being on one side of the line of division and the tabs for the other of the two devices being on the other side of the line of division such as mutually to receive a plug type disconnect having energized and load-connected conductor in the cable thereof when the devices are in place and yet to permit independent removal of the said two devices one without the other when the disconnect is not in applied position.

15. An electrical control unit for automotive instrument panels and the like which include a panel, said unit having means mounted to the panel including cable-supplied mountably removable electrical devices constituted by pluralities of switches and instruments, material presenting insulative surfaces carried at the backs of at least some of said electrical devices so as to define lines of division generally juxtaposed to the plane or the devices and intermediate the devices, plug-type disconnects having electrical cables terminating therein, electrically conductive straps disposed along said insulative surfaces and connected through the material to the said backs of individual devices, said straps having portions provided with upstanding tabs arranged in groups to receive said plug-type disconnects, the tabs of straps connected to at least two said electrical devices being arranged in a group straddling a said line of division with the tabs for one of the two devices being on one side of the line of division and the tabs for the other of the two devices being on the other side of the line of division such as mutually to receive the corresponding plug-type disconnect when the devices are in place and yet to permit independent removal of the said two devices one without the other when the disconnect is not in applied po- 51 ion,

16. An electrical control unit for automotive instrument panels and the like which include a panel, said unit having means mounted to the panel in the same general vicinity including cable-supplied devices constituted by a plurality of switches and instruments, material presenting insulative surfaces carried at the backs of adjacent electrical devices and so carried at the backs of at least some of the adjacent devices as to define lines of division intervening between and generally juxtaposed to the plane of the latter said devices, plug-type disconnects havin energized and load-connected wires forming cables terminating therein, electrically conductive straps dis posed along said insulative surfaces and connected through the material to the backs of individual devices, said straps having portions provided with upstanding tabs arranged in groups to receive said plug-type disconnects, other adjacent devices from those above mentioned between which lines of division intervene, including at least two switches, certain tabs of the connected straps of which are arranged in a common single group such as mutually to receive a plug-type disconnect having only load-connected wires in the cable thereof, and supplied by the switches mutually, and a circuit breaker mounted to said material between the two-named switches, said two switches having a common feed and said circuit breaker being included in the feed circuit to one of the two switches.

17. An electrical control unit for automotive instrument panels and the like which include a panel, said unit having means mounted to the panel in the same general vicinity including cable-supplied devices constituted by pluralities of switches and instruments, material presenting insulative surfaces carried at the backs of adjacent electrical devices and so carried at the backs of at least some of the adjacent devices as to define lines of division intervening between and generally juxtaposed to the plane of the latter said devices, plug-type disconnects having electrical cables terminating therein, electrically conductive straps disposed along said insulative surfaces and connected through the material to the backs of individual devices, said straps having portions provided with upstanding tabs arranged in groups to receive said plug-type disconnects, tabs on the straps for at least two adjacent devices other than those above mentioned between which lines of division intervene being arranged in a single group such as mutually to receive and supply a plug-type disconnect in common, and a circuit breaker mounted between the two-named devices, said two devices having a common feed and said circuit breaker being included in the feed circuit to one of the two devices.

PAUL T. NIMS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,835,456 Bernard Dec. 8, 1931 2,077,160 Wilson Apr. 13, 1947 2,423,597 Hurn July 8, 1947 2,439,326 Wilson Apr. 6, 1948 

